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According to Kawasaki, the 2016 Ninja ZX-10R is the closest it's possible to get to a road-going World Superbike Championship contender. While the looks aren't dramatically changed, the upgrades are extensive.
They start with the 998 cc four-cylinder engine. Its peak output of 197 bhp (147 kW / 200 PS) – or 207 bhp (154 kW / 210 PS) with ram air – is the same as before, but low- and mid-range acceleration are said to be improved.

That's thanks to numerous alterations which include a re-engineered cylinder head, a lower-inertia crankshaft, a modified titanium exhaust, closer gear ratios and the adoption of more lightweight components.

Another significant advance concerns the electronics, as the Ninja ZX-10R is the first Kawasaki to be equipped with a Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit. This measures five axis of movement and, together with input from the engine's ECU, governs various systems such as the five-mode traction control and a new cornering management function.

A revised suspension set-up now boasts an innovative Showa 'Balance Free' front fork that features an external damping force chamber. It's combined with a smaller and lighter Showa BFRC Lite shock unit at the rear. Furthermore, an Öhlins electronic steering damper is part of the specification.